EEN - Enterprise Europe Network
The network
The Enterprise Europe Network is the largest network of contact points providing information and advice to EU companies on EU matters, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We provide practical answers to specific questions in your language.
Launched in 2008 by the European Commission, the Enterprise Europe Network combines and builds on the former Innovation Relay Centres and Euro Info Centers (established in 1995 and 1987 respectively). The new integrated Network offers a "one-stop shop" to meet all the information needs of SMEs and companies in Europe.
Instruments include business partner search within technology and business cooperation databases and fast access to information on funding opportunities. Individual on-site visits to companies to assess their needs and a broad range of promotion and information material. Representatives of the Network can also help businesses understand EU law, how it applies to their business and how to make the most the internal market and EU programmes.
Network services
The Network offers concrete and effective solutions to entrepreneurs and companies in more than 40 countries, including the 27 EU member states, three EU candidate countries and other participating third countries. EEN offers a comprehensive range of services for European SMEs and entrepreneurs, providing tailor-made solutions at any stage of a company's life cycle.
The 600 organisations are staffed with specialised and experienced personnel who "speak the language of business" and can understand and assess the requests, needs and potential of each company.
The "one-stop shop"/"no wrong door" concept means that SMEs and other organisations seeking advice will receive expert assistance and advice from the network partner closest to them. If a Network member cannot answer the request, they will send it directly to the most appropriate service provider.
The Network offers a whole host of services, here is a taste of some of the services on offer.
- Providing information and practical advice on market opportunities, European legislation and policies relevant to a company or sector. Helping SMEs to find suitable business partners using its business and technology cooperation database, providing information on tender opportunities and international networking.
- Developing the research and innovation capacities of SMEs by helping to create synergies with other research actors, foster technological cooperation and holding brokerage events.
- Helping SMEs to share research results, participate in research programs and apply for funding, particularly from the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).
- Involving SMEs and business actors in the policy-making process, by transmitting feedback to the Commission and monitoring the implementation of EU policies in the field of competitiveness and innovation.
